Handmade Italian jewelry brand shines in Shanghai debut

For Massimo Albizzati, co-founder of Italian handmade jewelry brand Manzoni Gioielli, their first trip to the China International Import Expo, recently held in Shanghai, has proved encouraging.

"This is our first time joining the CIIE, and it has been truly impressive," Albizzati, a veteran goldsmith with over 40 years of experience in the high-end jewelry industry, said at the expo.

At the Eighth CIIE, which concluded in early November, Manzoni showcased collections that integrate several handcrafted techniques of fine Italian jewelry — engraving, filigree, and openwork carving.

For example, the honeycomb openwork technique, a signature of Italian jewelry artistry, can take hours of meticulous labor to balance the geometric precision of the beehive pattern with the sensitivity of the human hand, explains Maria Serena Colombo, an engraver with Manzoni.

These collections have attracted many visitors and business partners to Manzoni's booth at the expo, who expressed interest in both the handmade products and the stories behind them, she adds.

"In an era dominated by mass production, we have chosen the more difficult path, but also the most authentic one, to create by hand without compromise," Albizzati says. "Handmade jewelry carries emotion and character that machines cannot reproduce."

As the designer and creative director of Manzoni, Albizzati says he often sketches ideas inspired by natural forms — a leaf, a curtain or a glimmer of light.

"Sometimes the inspiration comes from a stone. By looking at it, I immediately understand what kind of ring or piece of jewelry it could become," he says. "The uniqueness is what sets us apart from big brands."

Participating in the six-day event, the world's largest import expo, has offered a rare opportunity to present the techniques and creativity of Italian jewelry to Chinese consumers in person, he adds.

"The CIIE allows small and independent brands like ours to connect directly with Chinese distributors and consumers," he says, emphasizing the expo's role in helping them understand local preferences and make corresponding adaptations.

Albizzati also notes that the company looks forward to deepening cooperation with Chinese partners and exploring more opportunities for cultural and creative collaboration.

"We have seen great public interest in our jewelry," he says. "We'll come back to next year's CIIE stronger — with more products and new collections."